Christmas tree lighting in downtown Anderson

The annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Anderson, preceeded by a countdown, was held in front of the Anderson County Courthouse. The T.L. Hanna Jazz Ensemble played an assortment of Christmas songs, led by director Richard Baskin. Mayor Terrence Roberts, standing near Carey Jones, Jr., city and county officials, all joined in a countdown. After the tree lighting, children could meet Santa Claus while residents could ride in the horse drawn carriage.

Lindsey Norris, 2, of Anderson, kisses a sculpture of a reindeer at the base of the city's magnolia tree decorated with Christmas lights, after the city and county held the lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

People wait for the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Anderson.

Jeff Waters of Anderson helps set up the stage for the T.L. Hanna Jazz Ensemble before the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Anderson.

Carey Jones, Jr. of Anderson helps start the countdown for lighting the magnolia tree with lights in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Gabriel Bertolini, a senior saxophone player in the T.L. Hanna Jazz Ensemble, plays a solo during the song Have Yourself a Merry Christmas, before the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Gabriel Bertolini, a senior saxophone player in the T.L. Hanna Jazz Ensemble, plays a solo during the song Have Yourself a Merry Christmas, before the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Walt Trammell of Anderson claps for the T.L.Hanna Jazz Ensemble before the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Walt Trammell of Anderson wears a hat with lights before the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Anderson.

Gabriel Bertolini, a senior saxophone player in the T.L. Hanna Jazz Ensemble, plays a solo during the song Have Yourself a Merry Christmas, before the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

The T.L. Hanna Jazz Ensemble plays before the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Gabriel Bertolini, a senior saxophone player in the T.L. Hanna Jazz Ensemble, plays a solo during the song Have Yourself a Merry Christmas, before the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

A crowd watches during a countdown to turn lights on a magnolia tree in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Following a countdown, a crowd cheers as a magnolia tree decorated with Christmas lights is turned on in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Following a countdown, a crowd cheers as a magnolia tree decorated with Christmas lights is turned on in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Ricky Dickson of Anderson carries his grandson Griffin Hopper, 5, on his shoulders after the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Anderson.

Following a countdown, a crowd cheers as a magnolia tree decorated with Christmas lights is turned on in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

People line up to visit Santa Claus after the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

People walk around after the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Lindsey Norris, 2, of Anderson, looks at a sculpture of a reindeer at the base of the city's magnolia tree decorated with Christmas lights, after the city and county held the lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Lindsey Norris, 2, of Anderson, kisses a sculpture of a reindeer at the base of the city's magnolia tree decorated with Christmas lights, after the city and county held the lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

An ornament sparkles after the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Anderson.

Damon Downs, right, of Anderson stands near the Christmas tree with his daughter Erin Downs, 4, after the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Anderson.

People line up to visit Santa Claus after the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Anderson County Courthouse.

Walt Trammell of Anderson wears a hat with lights before the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Anderson.